As the weather gets colder we can’t help but imagine chilly nights in front of the fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate. But with colder weather comes new home challenges. It’s important to stay on top of your home maintenance to avoid home catastrophes during the winter.
Here is your fall home checklist: (Download printable version)
Here is your fall home checklist: (Download printable version)
Outside of the Home
Clean Your Gutters: As the leaves fall and fill your gutters, it’s time to pull out the ladder and get those leaves out of there. Don’t forget the downspouts!
Seal the Gaps: Any gaps in your foundation or window seals will let cold air in and increase your energy bill during the winter! Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and your foundation. If you find any, get them sealed up before the winter!
Drives and Walks: The fluctuating temperatures during Colorado winters can cause cracks and holes to expand. Check your walkways and driveways for damage and talk to a professional about getting them filled in before the first freeze hits (you agent can offer a recommendation).
Blow Out and Drain: Burst pipes are never fun. Before the first freeze call a professional to get your sprinkler system blown out. Oh and drain your hoses too!
Care for Your Lawn: Fall is the best time to fertilize. Pick up a slow release fertilizer and give your lawn one final coat before Thanksgiving for maximum benefit.
Clear the Leaves: It’s time to get out the rake. Gather up all the fallen leaves. Consider shredding some of them to mix into your soil for added nutrients. Everything left over can be thrown away or composted.
Prune Plants: It can be tempting to prune all your plants as we move into fall, but be careful what you cut away. Always go slow, taking off less than you think, and do your research. Most flowering trees and bushes should be pruned shortly after they flower, not in the fall. Non-flowering bushes could use a moderate prune before winter hits.
Get Ready for the Snow: Winter is coming and bringing along unpredictable amounts of snow. If you have a snow blower, now is the time to do some quick maintenance. Give it a test run to ensure it works and take care of any repairs it needs. If you don’t have a snow blower, snatch one before the masses flock to home improvement stores!
Inside the Home:
Freshen Your Filter: Keep your heating bill low by keeping fresh furnace filters handy. Stock up before the winter to make it easier to replace your filter monthly and maximize heating efficiency.
Sweep the Hearth: Ready to get your first fire rolling? Before you do, give your fireplace an inspection. Check your wood burning fireplace for soot or creosote build-up. Schedule a visit from a chimney sweep to do a full inspection to ensure you’re safe.
Test the Alarms: Do a quick sweep of the house and test all your smoke detectors and CO2 monitors. Replace any dead batteries.
Do a ‘Fall Clean’: Deep cleaning isn’t just for spring. Give your home a good scrub focusing on community rooms such as the living room, family room and guest rooms. Vacuum your soft surfaces, turn mattresses and wash interior windows.
Inspect Washer and Dryer: Replace washer hoses every other year to prevent leaks. Clean out lint build-up from your dryer exhaust tube. Check the exterior vent for the dryer to ensure it closes when the dryer is off.
Carpet Clean: The cold is coming but it’s not here yet. Schedule a carpet cleaning now and use the warm weather to dry your carpets. Bonus: scheduling early means you beat the holiday rush!
Organize the Kitchen: The holidays are right around the corner. Get your kitchen organized now to make your holiday cooking and baking a breeze. Go through your cabinets and get rid of unused gadgets, bowls or appliances. Put small appliances out of sight and clear the counters.
If you’re in need of professionals to help with any of the above tasks, ask your real estate agent for a recommendation.
Clean Your Gutters: As the leaves fall and fill your gutters, it’s time to pull out the ladder and get those leaves out of there. Don’t forget the downspouts!
Seal the Gaps: Any gaps in your foundation or window seals will let cold air in and increase your energy bill during the winter! Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for any gaps or cracks around windows, doors and your foundation. If you find any, get them sealed up before the winter!
Drives and Walks: The fluctuating temperatures during Colorado winters can cause cracks and holes to expand. Check your walkways and driveways for damage and talk to a professional about getting them filled in before the first freeze hits (you agent can offer a recommendation).
Blow Out and Drain: Burst pipes are never fun. Before the first freeze call a professional to get your sprinkler system blown out. Oh and drain your hoses too!
Care for Your Lawn: Fall is the best time to fertilize. Pick up a slow release fertilizer and give your lawn one final coat before Thanksgiving for maximum benefit.
Clear the Leaves: It’s time to get out the rake. Gather up all the fallen leaves. Consider shredding some of them to mix into your soil for added nutrients. Everything left over can be thrown away or composted.
Prune Plants: It can be tempting to prune all your plants as we move into fall, but be careful what you cut away. Always go slow, taking off less than you think, and do your research. Most flowering trees and bushes should be pruned shortly after they flower, not in the fall. Non-flowering bushes could use a moderate prune before winter hits.
Get Ready for the Snow: Winter is coming and bringing along unpredictable amounts of snow. If you have a snow blower, now is the time to do some quick maintenance. Give it a test run to ensure it works and take care of any repairs it needs. If you don’t have a snow blower, snatch one before the masses flock to home improvement stores!
Inside the Home:
Freshen Your Filter: Keep your heating bill low by keeping fresh furnace filters handy. Stock up before the winter to make it easier to replace your filter monthly and maximize heating efficiency.
Sweep the Hearth: Ready to get your first fire rolling? Before you do, give your fireplace an inspection. Check your wood burning fireplace for soot or creosote build-up. Schedule a visit from a chimney sweep to do a full inspection to ensure you’re safe.
Test the Alarms: Do a quick sweep of the house and test all your smoke detectors and CO2 monitors. Replace any dead batteries.
Do a ‘Fall Clean’: Deep cleaning isn’t just for spring. Give your home a good scrub focusing on community rooms such as the living room, family room and guest rooms. Vacuum your soft surfaces, turn mattresses and wash interior windows.
Inspect Washer and Dryer: Replace washer hoses every other year to prevent leaks. Clean out lint build-up from your dryer exhaust tube. Check the exterior vent for the dryer to ensure it closes when the dryer is off.
Carpet Clean: The cold is coming but it’s not here yet. Schedule a carpet cleaning now and use the warm weather to dry your carpets. Bonus: scheduling early means you beat the holiday rush!
Organize the Kitchen: The holidays are right around the corner. Get your kitchen organized now to make your holiday cooking and baking a breeze. Go through your cabinets and get rid of unused gadgets, bowls or appliances. Put small appliances out of sight and clear the counters.
If you’re in need of professionals to help with any of the above tasks, ask your real estate agent for a recommendation.